The students’ protest over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 20th day on Thursday, with the agitators refusing to call off the stir until their demands were met.
The ‘JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch’ has been demonstrating at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in the state capital Ranchi, demanding greater transparency in recruitment examinations, cancellation of several tests and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.
Former chief minister Raghubar Das on Wednesday threatened to proceed on a hunger strike if the demand for a CBI probe was not fulfilled in a week, while the ABVP has announced protests at more than 1,200 universities over the issue.
Das also sought Rs 1 crore each as compensation for the families of those who died during the 2024 excise constable physical examination. ABVP leaders have questioned the credibility of the state-appointed SIT into the alleged irregularities, citing repeated changes in its composition.
The BJP has accused the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand of suppressing the movement. Tensions rose after a confrontation between protesters and the police during their march towards the assembly on Monday, with security personnel using batons, water cannons and tear gas to disperse the agitators.
The BJP subsequently observed a statewide bandh over the police action.
Earlier, six rounds of talks between the government and student representatives failed to end the deadlock. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has maintained that his government is committed to recruitment exam reforms and assured protesters that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled.
-PTI
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